Impact of Pro-environmental Behavior on Dysmenorrhea

Purpose: In this study the impact of pro-environmental behavior, well-being oriented behavior, and use of cloth menstrual pads on dysmenorrhea in Korean female adults was examined according to the theory of reasoned action. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 195 Korean female adults. Data were collected from June to August, 2010 using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression, and logit regression with STATA 10.0. Results: Pro-environmental behavior explained 48% of well-being oriented behavior. Well-being oriented behavior explained 10% of cloth pad use. Use of cloth pad explained 4% of dysmenorrhea and 5% of menstrual pain. The path through well-being oriented behavior had a significant effect from pro-environmental behavior to cloth pad use. Conclusion: Use of cloth pad was significantly related with well-being oriented behavior, pro-environmental behavior, social influence, dysmenorrhea, and menstrual pain. The results of this study suggest that pro-environmental strategies can help health care providers diminish clients' menstrual symptoms. Nursing intervention can support pro-environmental behavioral strategies.